COVID-19 Update #3: Redeployment of Health Care Staff

Mar 19, 2020

This update was posted on March 19, 2020. Because this situation is evolving rapidly, we encourage you to visit the MGEU's COVID-19 Information page for more information about this issue.

As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve, the
responsiveness of the health care system is of the highest priority.

In an effort to ensure the adequate and appropriate level
and distribution of health care staff, the MGEU, along with other unions, has
reached an agreement with health care employers regarding the redeployment of
staff within the sector.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) allows employers to
redeploy staff to areas of highest need while still respecting the terms of
existing collective agreements. It also provides for additional compensation
for affected staff.

The MOA is similar to agreements signed in the past related
to health emergencies such as H1N1 and Spring flooding.

At this time, significant redeployment of staff has not been
necessary. However, the situation is changing rapidly, and it is important that
measures to ensure preparedness are in place.